Front Suspension Systems

Coil Springs• Coiled bar of spring type steel

• Absorbs road shock & carries vehicle weight

• Linear- rate – equally spaced coils, have constant spring rating

• Variable-rate – tapered, unequal spacing, act differently under various loads

Torsion Bars• Used in place of coil springs, usually

4WD trucks• Bar twists, resisting movement of

lower control arm

Ball Joints

• Pivot points allowing steering knuckle movement

• Reduced steering effort• Improved ride quality

Ball Joint Construction• Ball & Socket design• Ball seat is cushioned• Spring loaded

Load Carrying Ball Joints

Tension Loaded Ball Joint

Compression Loaded Ball Joint

Non-Load-Carrying Ball Joint

Stabilizer Bar

Strut Rod• Connected to frame & lower control arm• Controls fore & aft movement of control arm• May provide for caster adjustment

I-Beam Suspension• Solid axle connecting both front

steering knuckles• Used on H.D. trucks

Twin I-Beam

Short & Long Arm Suspension• Provide for

an independent suspension system

• Camber & caster angles remain fairly constant over bumps

• Arms connected to frame with rubber bushings

Upper Control Arm Design

Type 1 Design

Type 2 Design

S.A.L.A. Travel

MacPherson Strut Suspension

Modified Strut Design

Modified Strut Design

Double Wish Bone Design

Independent Front 4WD

Independent Front 4WD

Solid Front 4WD